Last week, my family and I were watching "
A Charlie Brown Christmas" for about the millionth time (and loving it). After 35+ years of watching the holiday classic, I thought I had all the dialogue memorized, but during this viewing I heard a line for the first time -- a line that actually has applications to
involvement with the NJSCPA. If you're not gone by now, stay with me for a few more paragraphs.
For those of you not familiar with the story, a key element of the plot involves Charlie Brown seeking advice from his nemesis Lucy Van Pelt. Like many "real" people, Charlie Brown gets depressed around the holidays and doesn't know why. After reviewing a selection of fears and phobias that may be impairing Charlie Brown, Lucy finally zeroes in on his problem. Her answer to his problems: "You need involvement," says Lucy, and proceeds to make him the director of the Peanuts gang's Christmas play.
The next 20 minutes of the show is a metaphor for involvement with the NJSCPA or any other volunteer organization. Really. Let's review:
- Charlie Brown is asked by a peer (i.e. Lucy) to fill a leadership position to help a group achieve a goal.
- He asks group members (i.e. Linus, Pigpen, Sally, etc.) to play certain roles (i.e. shepherd, inn keeper, shepherd's wife, etc.) in order to help the group achieve its goal.
- At first, he struggles in his new leadership position (even his dog boos him), but he sticks to his principles and stays on track.
- In the end, his leadership and determination inspire the group, who salute him by sprucing up the Charlie Brown Christmas tree and uniting in song.
Just like volunteering for the NJSCPA, right? Well, maybe it's not an apples to apples comparison, but hopefully you get the idea.
My point is that involvement with the NJSCPA can do for you what involvement did for Charlie Brown -- network with peers, share what you know, learn what it takes to be a leader and maybe even inspire others.
You can learn more about how to get involved with the NJSCPA on the Get Involved section of our website. While you're there, fill out your Volunteer Profile and watch our Get Involved video.
Remember the words of Lucy Van Pelt: You need involvement. Happy Holidays!